Pastor Joel Osteen faces backlash for smiling during press conference after Houston megachurch shooting

HOUSTON, TEXAS: The pastor, Joel Osteen who leads the Lakewood church is being slammed by Internet users for 'smiling' during a press conference aftermath of Houston's megachurch shooting.

A 5-year-old boy was critically wounded in a Sunday, February 12 shooting that also hit a man in the hip, before the shooter was killed by off-duty police working security.

Osteen is known for his megawatt smile and regularly preaches to millions of people through his television sermons.

Why was Joel Osteen slammed? 

Nicknamed the 'smiling preacher,' Osteen once told The Associated Press that his message of hope and encouragement “resonates with people.” But this time his laid-back preaching style has also drawn criticism for focusing on smiling during a press conference after the shooting at his church. 

On X, (previously known as Twitter), a user @Vision4TheBlind uploaded a video with the caption, "Joel Osteen smiling at a press conference after the shooting at Lakewood Church, Reminds you of the Sandy Hook dad."

The internet slammed the pastor for his 'smiling' on 'serious' times. A user wrote, "The devils in on the false flaging." Another user said, "Too much botox."

A next user wrote, "Only God Knows Joel Osteen truth Christians r being attacked many have been scared by this tragedy Instead of all the accusations, criticising, throwing judgment, etc Pray for the family of the victim, for all who witnessed the scene ... Jesus said let he who has not sinned throw the first stone."

While another user said, "Not only is he smiling in what should be a serious & somber moment, but his mask is slipping. Check out crinkles in his neck & lips. When he turns his head there are some neck crepes on back/sides of his neck. This ain't him. Replaced='unalived' for crimes against children."

For context, the shooter’s motive for opening fire in celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch remained unclear as authorities searched the suspect’s home in suburban Houston and identified the weapon used in the attack as an AR-style rifle.

The shooter was identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, according to police. Two other people were shot and wounded, including the shooter’s young son, who entered the church with Moreno.

What did Joel Osteen say during Press conference?

Joel Osteen who took over the church after his father's death in 1999 said on Sunday that his congregation is “devastated.” He added that he would pray for the victims and for the woman who did the shooting and their families. However, it was not clear where he was at the time of the shooting.

He said, “We’re going to stay strong and we’re going to continue to, to move forward,” during the news conference with police.

Adding, “There are forces of evil, but the forces that are for us, the forces of God, are stronger than that. So we’re going to keep going strong and just, you know, doing what God’s called us to do: lift people up and give hope to the world.”

Additionally, Texas Gov Greg Abbott issued a statement saying, “Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston. Places of worship are sacred.”

For context, Osteen's televised sermons reach about 100 countries. The elder Osteen founded the church in a converted feed store in 1959, per AP News.